Protective clothing.

(1) General requirements. You must protect employees exposed to the hazards created by welding, cutting, or brazing operations by personal protective equipment in accordance with the requirements of chapter 296-800 WAC, chapter 296-24 WAC, Part I and WAC 296-800-160. Appropriate protective clothing required for any welding operation will vary with the size, nature and location of the work to be performed.

(2) Specified protective clothing. Protective means which you may employ are as follows:

(b) Flameproof aprons made of leather, or other suitable material may also be desirable as protection against radiated heat and sparks.

(c) Woolen clothing preferable to cotton because it is not so readily ignited and helps protect the welder from changes in temperature. Cotton clothing, if used, should be chemically treated to reduce its combustibility. All outer clothing such as jumpers or overalls should be reasonably free from oil or grease.

(d) Sparks may lodge in rolled-up sleeves or pockets of clothing, or cuffs of overalls or trousers. It is therefore recommended that sleeves and collars be kept buttoned and pockets be eliminated from the front of overalls and aprons. Trousers or overalls should not be turned up on the outside.

Note:

For heavy work, fire-resistant leggings, high boots, or other equivalent means should be used.

(e) In production work a sheet metal screen in front of the worker's legs can provide further protection against sparks and molten metal in cutting operations.

(f) Capes or shoulder covers made of leather or other suitable materials should be worn during overhead welding or cutting operations. Leather skull caps may be worn under helmets to prevent head burns.

(g) Where there is exposure to sharp or heavy falling objects, or a hazard of bumping in confined spaces, you must use hard hats or head protectors.